Merc’s new SUV beast

The Mercedes-Benz ML has been seen at many a school gate but the latest incarnation will blow away pretty much any soccer taxi at any school. Indeed, your correspondent can attest that the ML does have some serious off-road chops and would simply love to get her paws on the newest version, the ML 63 AMG.

It’s a high-performance SUV and it is set to launch in the UK in spring 2012. Prices are yet to be confirmed (we’re guessing deep pockets will be required) but we can tell you in advance about some rather grunty specs.

While it’s not going to reach Prius-like levels of fuel consumption, the 40kg-lighter-than-its-predecessor ML has a combined fuel economy of 23.9mpg - but it’s the horses that buyers are keen on. The 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine pumps out 525bhp and 516lb-ft of torque. Add the optional AMG Performance package and you’ll have 557 horses and 560lb-ft of torque to play with.

Top speed is an electronically limited 155mph and the 0-62mph sprint is achieved in 4.8 seconds (or 4.7 seconds if you get the Performance package fitted).

The transmission is Merc’s seven-speed Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic system which works efficiently as a standard automatic but also gives you the option to shift it yourself. Power is transmitted to all four permanently driven wheels. There are also modes to choose from, such as Controlled Efficiency which activates the stop-start function and ensures the car is in the most efficient gear for the driving conditions. In Sport and Manual mode, the ML 63 AMG becomes more agile, the shift times shrink and it becomes more of a driver’s car.

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering is standard and it helps to save fuel. The steering assist function only requires energy when the driver is moving the wheel - and naturally the steering wheel itself is in stunning nappa leather. Safety kit galore is standard - enough airbags to turn the car into a hot air balloon, lane assist, traction control, high performance brakes (with brake callipers in a foxy shade of red) and the new Active Curve System for greater stability.

As a bonus, the ML 63 AMG doesn’t look too bad either with five-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey. AMG styling abounds with high-gloss paint finish louvres on the radiator grille, the Mercedes star is a large cooling air intake and distinctive headlights. The AMG front apron is integrated with the eye-catching front fenders that are 10mm wider on either side to accommodate the larger wheels.

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk



































By Georgia Lewis

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